Social Care
Councils 'failing disabled parents'
Social care authorities are failing disabled parents by viewing their impairment as a risk to children, an academic report has warned.
Integration progress 'slower than anticipated'
Progress on health and social care integration has been ‘much slower than anticipated,’ senior councillors have heard.
Whitehall demands in-year cuts to improvement programme
The sector’s ability to respond to crises such as a care provider failure could be hit after Whitehall demanded cuts to a key improvement programme, senior councillors have been warned.
Spending Review will be 'one of hardest ever'
Next spring’s Spending Review needs to decide the model for financing social care while the Treasury should pilot more devolved funding to local authorities, a report from a respected Whitehall-watcher has said.
Sleep-in shifts resolution 'could take a year'
Councils are being advised to hold fire over pay for sleep-in shifts as legal wrangling continues in the courts.
Merger set to create second biggest care provider
A care firm would become the second largest provider in the country if it succeeds in taking over a rival.
Whiteman: NHS will benefit most from Spending Review
Councils were this week warned not to expect a significant windfall in next spring’s Spending Review by the man who represents local government finance officers.
Appeal bid launched over sleep-in shifts legal dispute
The legal battle over pay for carers working sleep-in shifts is to rumble on after an appeal was lodged with the Supreme Court.
Better Care Fund stand-off continues
The stand-off between the Local Government Association (LGA) and Better Care Fund (BCF) officials will continue after Smith Square refused to endorse the latest guidance.
Minister announces consultation over 'bullying' of care workers
Social care workers will be consulted on the workforce issues they face following accusations of widespread ‘bullying and harassment’.
Simon Stevens outlines 'opportunity to review' Better Care Fund
The social care green paper and NHS’ 10-year plan provides an ‘opportunity to review’ the Better Care Fund (BCF), NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens has suggested.
Brokenshire considering new devolution models
James Brokenshire is considering new models of devolution as he seeks to extend further powers to local areas, the communities secretary has insisted.
Green Paper 'must address cash shortfalls'
MPs have urged ministers not to ignore ‘worrying’ declines in social care budgets as the UK prepares to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the NHS.
Health and social care inequality 'holding back integration'
Social care must be treated as an equal partner of the NHS if integration is to succeed, a report has found.
Hillier laments Whitehall cost shunting
An influential MP has raised concerns about Whitehall cost shunting.
MPs say levy for over 40s could fund free social care
People aged over 40 should pay a dedicated social care premium to fund free care in the future, MPs have said.
Metaphors aplenty
While the delays to the publication of the Government’s social care green paper disappointed the sector it did at least provide some entertaining metaphors from commentators.
Social care green paper delayed - again
The long-awaited social care green paper has been further delayed until the autumn after repeated Whitehall insistencies it was on track.
Councils 'overwhelming' justice system
The incoming head of the family division of the High Court has attacked councils for fuelling the applications ‘crisis’ overwhelming the justice system.
Make social care ‘free at the point of need’
Social care should be ‘free at the point of need’ like the NHS, a bold new report into the health and care system has recommended.